Crime

Extra police in Wairoa after rising gang violence, shootings

17:38 pm on 22 June 2021

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Whānau are being urged to report whoever is behind a spree of gang related shootings in Wairoa, with police saying a line's been crossed and children put in serious danger.

Extra officers have been brought into the District as part of operation Atlas that's targeting the Black Power and Mongrel Mob gangs in the wake of growing tensions and ongoing violence.

This month alone there been five incidents where shots have been fired; a Wairoa man turned up at Gisborne Hospital with serious gunshot wounds and just last week two children were in a Raupunga house when someone fired into it.

Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama says it's been a worrying time for many in the community.